ought

Definition

  • noun: moral obligation
  • archaic variant of 'aught'
  • used to indicate what is expected
  • synonyms: possess, owe, duty

Examples

  • It 'ought not' ('to') make any difference. [=(more commonly) it shouldn't make any difference]

  • Children 'ought not' [='should not'] run near the pool.

  • If my math is correct, the result 'ought to' be zero.

Movie quotes

  • (..) - Sounds nice. - Yeah. Well, Lisa decided she wanted to come and bring Maya, so we're all going. Plus some friends of ours and their kid. You and Vanessa ought to get away. Yeah, well, every weekend since Vanessa's mom died we're at her house cleaning out her stuff. - How's Vanessa holding up? (..)
    2003 TvShow: Six Feet Under Title: Making Love Work Season: 3 Episode 6